Company Formation Switzerland · Switzerland
Company Formation Switzerland
Open a Swiss company in Zug, Zurich or any other canton. Create your Swiss Company through local company registration experts.
What do you need?
When deciding to start your company in Switzerland, it is recommended to address a professional team of specialists, as the company formation process has certain particularities explained below. We are prepared to assist foreign businessmen in any of the matters that are involved in the steps of opening a company in Switzerland, regardless of the canton selected for incorporation.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| What are the types of companies available for registration in Switzerland? | – sole proprietorship, – general partnership, – limited partnership, – private limited liability company, – stock corporation |
Business forms available for foreign companies | – branch office, – subsidiary, – representative office |
Most common business form in Switzerland | Limited liability company (GmbH), followed closely by the stock corporation (AG) |
| Full foreign ownership availability | Yes |
| Company formation steps in Switzerland | – trading name reservation, – Articles of Association drafting and submission, – bank account opening, – tax registration, – licensing |
| Documents | – ID/passport copies of the shareholder and director, – company Statutes and bylaws, – proof of registered address |
| Company registration fee | CHF 2,000 |
| Notary/Trade Register fee | CHF 1,500 |
| Virtual office service availability and fee | – CHF 1,500 per year for basic packages, – CHF 390/month for basic package + meeting room availability |
| Minimum number of shareholders | One |
| Minimum number of directors | One |
| Resident director required | Yes – at least one person authorised to represent the company (director or manager) must reside in Switzerland |
| Nominee director service availability | Yes, for prices starting at CHF 4,000 per year |
| How long does it take to register a company in Switzerland? | Approx. 4 weeks |
| Remote registration availability (YES/NO) | Yes, through our local agents. |
Which company registration services do you offer in Switzerland and what are your prices?
Our company setup fee starts from CHF 2,000. The following are included in this price:
- Articles of Association and bylaws drafting;
- certified copies of Registration Certificate, bylaws and Statutes for corporate shareholders;
- Trade Register documents submission;
- service manager support during the entire registration procedure.
IMPORTANT!
We also offer assistance in opening a Swiss corporate bank account and share capital deposit for an additional fee;
We also supply virtual office services in Zurich for the price of CHF 1,500 per year or CHF 390 per month (with access to meeting rooms and a local phone number).
Notary and Commercial Register fees are also added to our prices, and they account for approx. CHF 1,500.
You can also watch our presentation video below:
Is full foreign ownership available in Switzerland?
Yes.
What are the types of companies I can set up as a foreigner in Switzerland?
The following:
- sole proprietorship;
- partnerships – general and limited;
- private limited liability company;
- stock corporation.
NOTE: Foreign companies can operate through subsidiaries and branches in Switzerland, if they want to undertake commercial activities. For non-commercial operations, the representative/liaison office is an option.
Here is also an infographic on how to start a business in Switzerland:
What are the steps to open a company in Switzerland?
The main steps for opening a company in Switzerland are the following:
- choose the most suitable type of company for your business objectives;
- choose a unique name for the company’s trading name – prepare at least 3 business names for your future company, out of which one will be your trading name;
- open a corporate bank account for future transactions – the minimum share capital of a Swiss GMBH or AG has to be deposited here;
- draft the articles of association and the public deed of incorporation;
- sign the articles of association and the public deed of incorporation at a public notary in Switzerland;
- fill out the Stampa Declaration Form and the Lex Friedrich Declaration Form;
- register your company by submitting all the documents at the Swiss Trade Register.
What are the documents required for registering a company in Switzerland?
These are the documents and information needed in the process of company formation in Switzerland:
- • the articles of association – the main statutory documents of a local company, which have to be notarized prior to the registration;
- • specimen signatures of the managing board (company’s secretary, directors and company’s shareholders/founders);
- • Stampa Declaration Form and Lex Friedrich Declaration Form and information on the registered office of the company;
- • information on the social capital of the company and the main objects of activity that will be conducted through the new legal entity;
- • other documents may be required, depending on thetype of business chosen for registration.
What is the most popular business form in Switzerland?
The limited liability company (GmbH), followed closely by the stock corporation (AG).
What is the minimum share capital to start a company in Switzerland?
- CHF 100,000 for a stock corporation, of which at least 50% must be deposited and paid in advance;
- CHF 20,000 for a private limited liability company (GmbH).
Do I need to appoint a local director for my company in Switzerland?
Yes, at least one person authorised to represent the company (a director or manager) must reside in Switzerland. For this purpose, we offer nominee services starting at CHF 4,000 per year.
Do I need special permits and licenses in Switzerland?
Yes. Certain types of business activities need special permits, apart from the mandatory business registration.
How long does it take to set up a company in Switzerland?
Approximately one month through our specialized services.
Our Swiss company formation consultants are here to advise and provide qualified consultancy for every entrepreneur wishing to set up his or her Swiss business. We remain at your disposal for any questions you might have, and you can contact our specialists for advice on any matter related to the registration of a business in this country.